Effects of Hypoxia on the Antibacterial Activity of Epidermal Mucus from Chilean Meagre (Cilus gilberti).

Comprehending the immune defense mechanisms of new aquaculture species, such as the Chilean meagre (Cilus gilberti), is essential for sustaining large-scale production. Two bioassays were conducted to assess the impact of acute and intermittent hypoxia on the antibacterial activity of juvenile Chilean meagre epidermal mucus against the potential pathogens Vibrio anguillarum and Vibrio ordalii. Lysozyme and peroxidase activities were also measured. In general, fish exposed to hypoxia showed a 9-30% reduction in mucus antibacterial activity at the end of hypoxic periods and after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide. However, following water reoxygenation, the activity of non-stimulated fish was comparable to that of fish in normoxic conditions, inhibiting bacterial growth by 35-52%. In the case of fish exposed to chronic hypoxia, the response against V. anguillarum increased by an additional 19.8% after 6 days of control inoculation. Lysozyme exhibited a similar pattern, while no modulation of peroxidase activity was detected post-hypoxia. These results highlight the resilience of C. gilberti to dissolved oxygen fluctuations and contribute to understanding the potential of mucus in maintaining the health of cultured fish and the development of future control strategies.

Economic growth and electricity consumption: Fresh evidence of panel data for LAC.

This study reexamines the causal nexus among electricity consumption (EC) and economic growth (EG) for a panel of 31 countries in Latin America and the Caribbean between 1980 and 2021. We find that there are statistically significant feedback impacts among the research variables in the long run. A 1 percent augment in EC raises EG by 0.5 percent and a 1 percent augment in EG produces a 1.54 percent increase in EC which reflects the nature of the latter as a luxury good and implies a tradeoff between economy and environment, since although greater electrical infrastructure drives EG, the latter also increases the EC whose use in a non-responsible manner could lead to environmental degradation through higher CO2 emissions. Therefore, the main policy implication is that, it is necessary to promote EG based on infrastructure focused on sustainable development, ensuring the well-being of present and future generations.

Computer Simulation of Three-Phase Equilibria for Some Water/n-Alkane Binary Systems.

In this work, the vapor-liquid-liquid equilibrium (VLLE) of the water/n-pentane, water/n-hexane, water/n-octane, and water/n-decane binary systems is calculated by computer simulation using the NVT-Gibbs ensemble (in the version of three simulation boxes) combined with the configurational bias Monte Carlo method. The combination of both methods, the molecular potential models used, and the simulation details allowed us to calculate the triphasic equilibrium properties of the systems studied: the densities of the three phases in equilibrium, their compositions, and potential energies. In previous works, these simulations were not carried out at a temperature range nor water/n-alkanes systems simulated in this work, probably because they are highly nonideal systems; so, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that this phenomenon is studied in detail. The results from VLLE simulations of the water/n-pentane system for temperatures from 343.2 to 435 K, the water/n-hexane system for temperatures from 373.11 to 473.15 K, the water/n-octane system for temperatures from 310.9 to 500 K, and for the water/n-decane system for temperatures from 374.15 to 525 K are reported here. The temperature range was selected in concordance with the experimental data available for an adequate study of the VLLE simulation results. The subcritical densities (vapor and liquid rich in n-alkane phases) at various temperatures fit well with the scaling law and the law of rectilinear diameters, allowing the estimation of upper critical end point temperature and density of the VLLE. The simulation results show a good prediction with experimental data reports in the literature.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on pain crisis and acute chest syndrome in patients with sickle cell anemia: A retrospective multi-cohort study based on US national data from 2020 to 2022.

COVID-19 infection has been a significant contributor to global morbidity and mortality, especially among those patients with chronic diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have classified sickle cell disease (SCD) as a condition that increases the risk of severe illness from COVID-19 infection. A retrospective study was conducted using the TRiNetX health research network database to identify SCA patients ( HbSS, Sbeta-thalassemia zero) who had SARS-CoV-2 infection over 2 years; these were compared with similar patients who did not have the infection in terms of demographics, pain control, and laboratory parameters COVID-19 illness impacts [ain crises and ACS, and prior vaccination against influenza and COVID-19 may represent a protective factor for developing pain crises.

[Characterization of peripheral blood cellular populations in relation to Ascaris Lumbricoides infection in rural areas of Bolívar]. / Caracterización de poblaciones celulares en sangre periférica, con relación a la infección por Ascaris lumbricoides en zonas rurales de Bolívar.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the relative frequencies of immune cell populations in the peripheral blood according to A. lumbricoides infection status. METHODS: Peripheral blood samples were collected from participants infected (n = 35) and uninfected with A. lumbricoides (n=27) residing in different rural municipalities of Bolívar. Infection was diagnosed using two coprological examinations and the Kato-Katz technique. Immunophenotyping was performed using two panels of markers and staining in fresh blood. The flow cytometry reading was performed on a spectral cytometer (Northern Lights, Cytek, USA). The populations identified in the first panel (Figure 1) were T lymphocytes (CD45+ CD3+), CD4+ or CD8+, B lymphocytes (CD45+ SSClow CD3- CD19+), neutrophils (CD45+ SSChi CD3- CD16+), and eosinophils (CD45+ SSChi CD3- CD16low). Monocytes were identified in another panel (Figure 2): classical (CD14++ CD16 -), intermediate (CD14++ CD16+), and non-classical (CD14+ CD16++). Dendritic cells, including CD123 + + CD303 + (plasmacytoid), HLA-DR + + CD1c + (myeloid CD1c +), and CD14-CD141 + + (myeloid CD141 +), were also identified. The study received approval from the Ethics Committee of the University of Cartagena, and participants provided informed consent. Funding was provided by the Colombian Sistema General de Regalías under BPIN2020000100405 - BPIN2020000100364. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in age [mean cases: 35.69 (SD: 17.7) vs. controls: 37.04 (SD: 15.6) years] or sex (cases: 62.9% vs. controls: 74.1%) (Table 1). All infections were mild, with a median of 96 eggs (IQR, 48-216). A marginally significant difference was observed only in the percentage of neutrophils (45.37% in cases vs. 54.79% in controls, p=0.041) (Figure 3). Although the frequency of eosinophils was higher in the cases (8.1% vs. 6%), this difference was not significant (p=0.138) (Figure 3). No significant differences were observed in the populations of monocytes or dendritic cells between cases and controls (Figure 4). CONCLUSION: Mild A. lumbricoides infection appears to affect the number of neutrophils in peripheral blood. The low infection intensity in the studied samples may explain the lack of a significant impact on other cellular populations.

OBJETIVO: Comparar las frecuencias relativas de poblaciones de células inmunes en sangre periférica de acuerdo con el estado de infección por A. lumbricoides. MÉTODOS: Se recolectaron muestras de sangre periférica de participantes infectados (n=35) y no infectados con A. lumbricoides (n=27), residentes en distintos municipios rurales de Bolívar. La infección se diagnosticó por dos métodos coprológicos y la técnica de Kato-Katz. El inmunofenotipo se determinó con dos baterías de marcadores y tinciones en sangre fresca. La lectura fue realizada en un citómetro espectral (Northern Lights, Cytek, USA). Las poblaciones identificadas en la primera batería (Figura 1) fueron linfocitos T (CD45+ CD3+) CD4+ o CD8+, linfocitos B (CD45+ SSClow CD3- CD19+), neutrófilos (CD45+ SSChi CD3- CD16+), y eosinófilos (CD45+ SSChi CD3- CD16low). Los monocitos se identificaron en otra batería (Figura 2): clásicos (CD14++ CD16­), intermedios (CD14++ CD16+), y no clásicos (CD14+ CD16++). También se identificaron células dendríticas, tales como: CD123++ CD303+ (plasmocitoides), HLA-DR++ CD1c+ (mieloides CD1c+), y CD14- CD141++ (mieloides CD141+). El estudio recibió la aprobación del Comité de Ética de la Universidad de Cartagena, y los participantes otorgaron su consentimiento informado. La financiación fue proporcionada por el Sistema General de Regalías de Colombia, bajo el BPIN2020000100405 - BPIN2020000100364. RESULTADOS: No se observaron diferencias significativas en edad [media = casos: 35,69 (DE: 17,7) vs controles: 37,04 (DE: 15,6 años] o sexo (casos: 62,9% vs. controles: 74,1%). Todas las infecciones fueron leves con una mediana de huevos de 96 (RIC: 48 - 216). Solo se encontró diferencia significativa marginal en el porcentaje de neutrófilos (45,37% en los casos vs 54,79% en controles, p=0,041). Si bien la frecuencia de eosinófilos fue más alta en los casos (8,1% vs. 6%), esta diferencia no alcanzó la significancia (p=0,138). No se observaron diferencias significativas en las poblaciones de monocitos o células dendríticas entre casos y controles (Figura 4). CONCLUSIÓN: La infección leve por A. lumbricoides parece afectar el número de neutrófilos en sangre periférica. Es posible que por la baja intensidad de la infección en la muestra estudiada, no se detecte un impacto importante de la misma sobre el resto de las poblaciones celulares. Palabras claves: Helmintos; Ascaris lumbricoides; Citometría de flujo; Inmunofenotipado; Neutrófilos.

Variation of the diet of the sea urchin (Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae)) according to its size in the Eastern Tropical Pacific / Variación de la dieta del erizo de mar (Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae)) según su tamaño en el Pacífico Tropical Oriental

Abstract Introduction: The sea urchin Diadema mexicanum, due to its bioerosion activity, is considered of ecological importance. This phenomenon could negatively or positively affect coral reef ecosystems. The bioerosion process varies according to the abundance and size of the sea urchin. Objective: Juvenile organisms possess different metabolic needs compared to adults, so knowing their stomach content according to size allows us to quantify the selection of substrate bioeroded. Methods: To determine this, D. mexicanum individuals were collected in 12 sites from January 2009 to September 2010 along the Eastern Tropical Pacific coast. The stomach content was categorized in Carbonated Fraction (CF), Non-Carbonated Fraction (NCF), and Organic Matter (OM). Stomach content was analyzed according to a) juvenile (< 2.5 cm) or adult (> 2.5 cm) stage and b) locality. Results: Juveniles presented the following stomach content average percentages: 20.7 % OM, 12 % NCF and 67.9 % CF; and adults: 11.4 % OM, 14.8 % NCF and 73.8 % CF. Based on a Wilcoxon test and a Kendall linear regression, the following results were obtained. The carbonated fraction in the stomach increased by 0.47 units on average for every cm of growth (p < 0.05). OM consumed by D. mexicanum increases only 0.05 units for every cm of growth (p < 0.05). We found a difference of stomach content depending on the site (p < 0.05) and life stage (p < 0.05). Localities like Huatulco and Coco presented significant differences that could be related to local oceanographic conditions. Conclusions: We relate these changes of the stomach fractions to the necessity of the juvenile sea urchins for nutrients to maintain their growth. The amount of OM is crucial for the development of early stages, meaning that there is a difference in substrate selection associated with growth.

Resumen Introducción: El erizo de mar Diadema mexicanum, por su actividad de bioerosión, es considerado de importancia ecológica. Este fenómeno podría afectar negativa o positivamente a los ecosistemas de arrecifes de coral. El proceso de bioerosión varía según la abundancia y el tamaño del erizo de mar. Objetivo: Los organismos juveniles poseen diferentes necesidades metabólicas en comparación con los adultos, por lo que conocer el contenido estomacal según el tamaño, nos permite cuantificar la selección de sustrato bioerosionado. Métodos: Para determinar esto, se recolectaron individuos de D. mexicanum en 12 sitios desde enero de 2009 hasta septiembre de 2010 a lo largo de la costa del Pacífico Tropical Oriental. El contenido estomacal se clasificó en Fracción Carbonatada (FC), Fracción No Carbonatada (NCF) y Materia Orgánica (MO). El contenido estomacal se analizó según a) estadio juvenil (< 3 cm) o adulto (> 3 cm) y b) localidad. Resultados: Los juveniles presentaron los siguientes porcentajes promedio del contenido estomacal: 20.7 % OM, 12 % NCF y 67.9 % CF; y adultos: 11.4 % OM, 14.8 % NCF y 73.8 % CF. Con base en una prueba de Wilcoxon y una regresión lineal de Kendall, se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados. La fracción carbonatada en el estómago aumentó en promedio 0.47 unidades por cada cm de crecimiento (p < 0.05). La MO consumida por D. mexicanum aumenta solo 0.05 unidades por cada cm de crecimiento (p < 0.05). Encontramos una diferencia en el contenido estomacal según el sitio (p < 0.05) y el estadio de vida (P < 0.05). Localidades como Huatulco y Coco presentaron diferencias significativas que podrían estar relacionadas con las condiciones oceanográficas locales. Conclusiones: Relacionamos estos cambios de la composición porcentual del contenido estomacal con la necesidad de los erizos de mar juveniles de nutrientes para mantener su crecimiento. La cantidad de MO es crucial para el desarrollo de las primeras etapas, lo que significa que existe una diferencia en la selección de sustrato asociada con el crecimiento.

Predators of the sea urchin Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) at the Eastern Tropical Pacific coral reefs / Depredadores del erizo de mar Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) en los arrecifes de coral del Pacífico Tropical Oriental

Abstract Introduction: The coral reefs of Isla del Coco National Park are some of the most pristine ecosystems on Earth. The sea urchin Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) is a common inhabitant with a pivotal role in the ecology of this unique ecosystem. Objective: In this study, we identified the predominant predators of D. mexicanum and estimated the predatory consumption rates. We also determined predation rates at different sea urchin sizes and at sites with contrasting refuge availability. Methods: We use field video recording observations and tethering experiments. Results: The balistid Sufflamen verres and the labrid Bodianus diplotaenia were identified as predators of small and medium size D. mexicanum; the labrids Thalassoma grammaticum and B. diplotaenia (juvenile) and the tetraodontid Arothron meleagris were attempted predators; and Canthigaster punctatissima and Holacanthus passer were scavengers. Larger sea urchins (> 30 mm) were also preyed upon during the tethering experiments. Furthermore, a clear effect of the site on survival of the different sea urchins' sizes was noted. No difference in the sea urchin predator biomass was found among sites, which highlights the importance of site complexity on survival. At high and medium complexity sites, large individuals had better survival, while at the low complexity site, there was almost no differences in survival rates among the three size classes. Our results also show that a high abundance of these predatory fishes, above 0.04 ind m-2, guarantees a low sea urchin density. Below this threshold, a higher variability in sea urchin density is observed Despite not being registered with the video recordings, lobsters were observed once preying upon a large sea urchin individual. Conclusions: This study identifies a keystone fish guild with high predation rate for Diadema in the National Park, which suggests that protective actions have positively benefited predatory fish and lobster populations.

Resumen Introducción: Los arrecifes de coral del Parque Nacional Isla del Coco son uno de los ecosistemas más prístinos de la Tierra. El erizo de mar Diadema mexicanum (Diadematoida: Diadematidae) es un habitante común con un papel ecológico esencial en este ecosistema único. Objetivo: En este estudio, identificamos los depredadores predominantes de D. mexicanum y estimamos las tasas de consumos predatorias. También determinamos las tasas predatorias de diferentes tamaños de erizo de mar en sitios con disponibilidad de refugio contrastante. Métodos: Utilizamos grabaciones de video de campo y experimentos de marcaje. Resultados: El pez ballesta Sufflamen verres y el lábrido Bodianus diplotaenia fueron identificados como depredadores de tamaños pequeños y medianos de D. Mexicanum; los lábridos Thalassoma grammaticum y B. diplotaenia (juvenil) y el tetraodóntido Arothron meleagris fueron intento de depredadores; y Canthigaster punctatissima y Holacanthus passer fueron carroñeros. Los erizos de mar de gran tamaño (> 30 mm) también fueron depredados durante el experimento de marcaje. Además, se encontró un efecto claro del sitio en la supervivencia de los diferentes tamaños de erizo de mar. No se encontraron diferencias en la biomasa de los depredadores del erizo de mar entre sitios, lo que señala la importancia de la complejidad del sitio en la supervivencia. En sitios con complejidad estructural alta y media, los individuos grandes tuvieron mejor supervivencia, mientras que en sitios de complejidad baja apenas hubo diferencias en las tasas de supervivencia entre los tres tamaños. Nuestros resultados también muestran que una alta abundancia de peces depredadores, por encima de 0.04 ind m-2, asegura bajas densidades de erizos de mar. A pesar de no ser registrado durante las grabaciones de video, se observó en una ocasión a una langosta depredando sobre un erizo de gran tamaño. Conclusiones: Este estudio identifica el grupo de peces clave con grandes tasas de depredación sobre Diadema en el Parque Nacional, lo que sugiere que las medidas de protección han beneficiado positivamente las poblaciones de peces depredadores y langostas.

Navigated intraoperative ultrasound in neuro-oncology: volumetric accuracy and correlation with high-field MRI.

OBJECTIVE: The use of intraoperative techniques to detect residual tumors has recently become increasingly important. Intraoperative MRI has long been considered the gold standard; however, it is not widely used because of high equipment costs and long acquisition times. Consequently, real-time intraoperative ultrasound (ioUS), which is much less expensive than MRI, has gained popularity. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the capacity of ioUS to accurately determine the primary tumor volume and detect residual tumors. METHODS: A prospective study of adult patients who underwent surgery for intra-axial brain tumors between November 2017 and October 2020 was performed. Navigated intraoperative ultrasound (nioUS) of the brain was used to guide tumor resection and to detect the presence of residual disease. Both convex (5-8 MHz) and linear array (6-13 MHz) probes were used. Tumor volume and residual disease were measured with nioUS and compared with MR images. A linear regression model based on a machine learning pipeline and a Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess the accuracy of nioUS versus MRI. RESULTS: Eighty patients (35 females and 45 males) were included. The mean age was 58 years (range 25-80 years). A total of 88 lesions were evaluated; there were 64 (73%) gliomas, 19 (21.6%) metastases, and 5 (5.7%) other tumors, mostly located in the frontal (41%) and temporal (27%) lobes. Most of the tumors (75%) were perfectly visible on ioUS (grade 3, Mair grading system), except for those located in the insular lobe (grade 2). The regression model showed a nearly perfect correlation (R2 = 0.97, p < 0.001) between preoperative tumor volumes from both MRI and nioUS. Ultrasonographic visibility significantly influenced this correlation, which was stronger for highly visible (grade 3) tumors (p = 0.01). For residual tumors, the correlation between postoperative MRI and nioUS was weaker (R2 = 0.78, p < 0.001) but statistically significant. The Bland-Altman analysis showed minimal bias between the two techniques for pre- and postoperative scenarios, with statistically significant results for the preoperative concordance. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' findings show that most brain tumors are well delineated by nioUS and almost perfectly correlated with MRI-based measurements both pre- and postoperatively. These data support the hypothesis that nioUS is a reliable intraoperative technique that can be used for real-time monitoring of brain tumor resections and to perform volumetric analysis of residual disease.

A monster into the heart: an unusual presentation of cardiac leiomyosarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Malignant primary cardiac tumors are infrequent and can lead to an unfavorable prognosis if not identified and treated promptly. Early detection and prompt treatment of malignant primary cardiac tumors are crucial for a better prognosis. This article presents a case of primary cardiac leiomyosarcoma and reviews the literature on this topic. CASE PRESENTATION: Female patient that developed recurrent pericardial effusion and hemodynamic instability caused by a cardiac tumor, later identified as leiomyosarcoma. Multidisciplinary treatment was administered to the patient. CONCLUSIONS: The initial approach to this type of pathology should include multimodality imaging to establish a prompt diagnosis leading to complete standard treatment, to minimize risks to the patient's heart function which may include resection with complete margins of the neoplasm, otherwise the prognosis may be poor.

Gallbladder Cancer Risk and Indigenous South American Mapuche Ancestry: Instrumental Variable Analysis Using Ancestry-Informative Markers.

A strong association between the proportion of indigenous South American Mapuche ancestry and the risk of gallbladder cancer (GBC) has been reported in observational studies. Chileans show the highest incidence of GBC worldwide, and the Mapuche are the largest indigenous people in Chile. We set out to assess the confounding-free effect of the individual proportion of Mapuche ancestry on GBC risk and to investigate the mediating effects of gallstone disease and body mass index (BMI) on this association. Genetic markers of Mapuche ancestry were selected based on the informativeness for assignment measure, and then used as instrumental variables in two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses and complementary sensitivity analyses. Results suggested a putatively causal effect of Mapuche ancestry on GBC risk (inverse variance-weighted (IVW) risk increase of 0.8% per 1% increase in Mapuche ancestry proportion, 95% CI 0.4% to 1.2%, p = 6.7 × 10-5) and also on gallstone disease (3.6% IVW risk increase, 95% CI 3.1% to 4.0%), pointing to a mediating effect of gallstones on the association between Mapuche ancestry and GBC. In contrast, the proportion of Mapuche ancestry showed a negative effect on BMI (IVW estimate -0.006 kg/m2, 95% CI -0.009 to -0.003). The results presented here may have significant implications for GBC prevention and are important for future admixture mapping studies. Given that the association between the individual proportion of Mapuche ancestry and GBC risk previously noted in observational studies appears to be free of confounding, primary and secondary prevention strategies that consider genetic ancestry could be particularly efficient.

Development and internal validation of a multifactorial risk prediction model for gallbladder cancer in a high-incidence country.

Since 2006, Chile has been implementing a gallbladder cancer (GBC) prevention program based on prophylactic cholecystectomy for gallstone patients aged 35 to 49 years. The effectiveness of this prevention program has not yet been comprehensively evaluated. We conducted a retrospective study of 473 Chilean GBC patients and 2137 population-based controls to develop and internally validate three GBC risk prediction models. The Baseline Model accounted for gallstones while adjusting for sex and birth year. Enhanced Model I also included the non-genetic risk factors: body mass index, educational level, Mapuche surnames, number of children and family history of GBC. Enhanced Model II further included Mapuche ancestry and the genotype for rs17209837. Multiple Cox regression was applied to assess the predictive performance, quantified by the area under the precision-recall curve (AUC-PRC) and the number of cholecystectomies needed (NCN) to prevent one case of GBC at age 70 years. The AUC-PRC for the Baseline Model (0.44%, 95%CI 0.42-0.46) increased by 0.22 (95%CI 0.15-0.29) when non-genetic factors were included, and by 0.25 (95%CI 0.20-0.30) when incorporating non-genetic and genetic factors. The overall NCN for Chileans with gallstones (115, 95%CI 104-131) decreased to 92 (95%CI 60-128) for Chileans with a higher risk than the median according to Enhanced Model I, and to 80 (95%CI 59-110) according to Enhanced Model II. In conclusion, age, sex and gallstones are strong risk factors for GBC, but consideration of other non-genetic factors and individual genotype data improves risk prediction and may optimize allocation of financial resources and surgical capacity.

[Soy beverages and women's health: evidence review and experts opinion]. / Bebidas de soja y salud femenina. Revisión de la evidencia y opinión de expertos.

Introduction: Soy drinks are an increasingly consumed option within the Western diet. However, there are concerns about potential endocrine disruptor effects and possible impact on women's reproductive health. This review evaluates scientific documents in gynecology and obstetrics under an evidence-based medicine approach. All methods adhered to PRISMA 2020 declaration guidelines. The evaluated studies do not support a positive association between soy intake and early puberty or breast cancer; instead, a protective effect against such neoplasm was observed. Transplacental passage of soy isoflavones and their presence in breast milk has been reported without any maternal-fetal complications nor congenital malformations. Exposure to soy-derived products appears to have a neutral effect on body weight and bone health. Studies performed in adults indicate that soy may promote a minimal increase in thyrotropin (TSH) in subjects with subclinical hypothyroidism. The impact of soy-based foods on gut microbiota appears favorable, especially when consuming fermented products. Many of the human studies have been conducted with isoflavones supplements, isolated or textured soy proteins. Therefore, the results and conclusions should be interpreted cautiously, as these are not entirely applicable to commercial soy beverages.

Introducción: Las bebidas vegetales de soja constituyen una alternativa dentro de la dieta habitual. Sin embargo, existe la preocupación de potenciales efectos en la salud reproductiva de la mujer por mecanismos de disrupción endócrina. En esta revisión se evalúan documentos científicos en el área de la Ginecología y la Obstetricia bajo el tamiz de la medicina basada en la evidencia, respondiendo preguntas estructuradas. La metodología se apegó a las guías establecidas por la declaración PRISMA 2020. Los estudios evaluados descartan un riesgo incrementado de pubertad precoz o cáncer de mama; incluso se aprecia un efecto protector frente a dicha neoplasia. Se ha reportado el paso transplacentario de isoflavonas de soja y su presencia en la leche materna, sin que ello implique una relación con complicaciones materno-fetales o malformaciones congénitas. La exposición a productos de soja no parece influir sobre el peso corporal y la salud ósea de la mujer. Los estudios en adultos indican que la soja favorece un mínimo incremento de tirotropina (TSH) en personas con antecedente de hipotiroidismo subclínico. El impacto de los alimentos basados en soja sobre la microbiota intestinal parece ser favorable para su diversidad, particularmente al consumir productos fermentados. Muchos de los estudios en humanos han sido realizados con suplementos de isoflavonas o con productos que contienen proteínas aisladas o texturizadas de soja. Por tanto, los resultados y las conclusiones deben interpretarse con cautela ya que no son totalmente extrapolables a las bebidas comerciales de soja.

Change in the composition of fauna associated with Pocillopora spp. (Scleractinia, Pocilloporidae) following transplantation

Introduction: Associated fauna comprises most of the diversity of a coral reef and performs ecological functions essential to the reef's survival. Since Pocillopora corals harbor an important associated fauna, reef restoration efforts are underway in Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, to preserve them. Objective: To describe changes in cryptofauna and fish communities associated with Pocillopora colonies to better understand the succession of associated fauna following transplantation. Methods: An experimental patch of 30 nursery-grown Pocillopora colonies and a control patch containing no colonies were monitored for 8 months following transplantation in Golfo Dulce. Cryptofauna within each colony and fish within each patch were observed using SCUBA to quantify temporal changes in the abundance, diversity, and community structure of the colonies. Results: The abundance and diversity of cryptofauna increased throughout the experiment. Obligate symbiont decapods were the most abundant. The composition of the community of cryptofauna differed between periods with fish in the genus Scarus as the main contributor to any differences. The increase in abundance and diversity of cryptofauna and fish may reflect coral growth and the corresponding availability of space and environmental complexity in the experimental patch. The composition of the cryptofauna communities was generally consistent with other studies. However, a high density of decapod symbionts could suggest that without other Pocillopora colonies to move to, they may crowd together despite their aggressive tendencies. Conclusions: Pocillopora colonies will experience an increase in symbionts that could positively contribute to the health and survival of the coral following transplantation.

Introducción: La fauna asociada comprende la mayor parte de la diversidad de un arrecife de coral y realiza funciones ecológicas esenciales para la supervivencia del arrecife. Dado que los corales Pocillopora albergan una importante fauna asociada, se están realizando esfuerzos de restauración de arrecifes en Golfo Dulce, Costa Rica, para preservarlos. Objetivo: Describir los cambios en la comunidad de criptofauna y peces asociados a las colonias de Pocillopora para comprender mejor la sucesión de la fauna asociada después del trasplante. Métodos: Un parche experimental de 30 colonias de Pocillopora cultivadas en vivero y un parche de control que no contenía colonias fueron monitoreados durante 8 meses después del trasplante en Golfo Dulce. La criptofauna dentro de cada colonia y los peces dentro de cada parche se observaron usando SCUBA para cuantificar los cambios temporales en la abundancia, diversidad y estructura de la comunidad de las colonias. Resultados: La abundancia y diversidad de criptofauna aumentó a lo largo del experimento. Los decápodos simbiontes obligados fueron los más abundantes. La composición de la comunidad de criptofauna difirió entre períodos con peces del género Scarus como el principal contribuyente a cualquier diferencia. El aumento en la abundancia y diversidad de criptofauna y peces puede reflejar el crecimiento de coral y la correspondiente disponibilidad de espacio y complejidad ambiental en el parche experimental. La composición de las comunidades de criptofauna fue generalmente consistente con otros estudios. Sin embargo, una alta densidad de simbiontes decápodos podría sugerir que, sin otras colonias de Pocillopora a las que trasladarse, pueden amontonarse a pesar de sus tendencias agresivas. Conclusiones: Las colonias de Pocillopora experimentarán un aumento de simbiontes que podrían contribuir positivamente a la salud y supervivencia del coral después del trasplante.

Succession of the sessile benthic community at a coral reef restoration site

Introduction: Ecosystem restoration facilitates ecological succession. When a coral reef experiences a disturbance, the community of sessile benthic organisms can follow a successional trajectory that favors the dominance of coral or a change of state to an ecosystem dominated by algae. Objective: To better understand the impact of coral transplants on succession of the sessile benthic community. Methods: To measure and monitor the coral cover (cm2) of Pocillopora spp., and the composition of the associated benthic community, experimental and control coral reef patches were established at the coral restoration site in Golfo Dulce, South Pacific Costa Rica. Thirty Pocillopora spp. colonies were attached to nails on the substrate in an experimental patch. The control coral patch contained nails with non-transplanted colonies. Both treatments were photographed monthly during a period of eight months. Changes in the coverage of coral and other sessile benthic organisms were measured from the images and compared over time between the experimental and control patches. Results: The coral transplants experienced bleaching events in August through September 2019 and January through February 2020. The first bleaching event possibly due to sedimentation, and the second to high temperatures. By the end of the experiment, 83 % of the colonies had survived. The live colonies grew significantly following transplantation; > 67 % of their initial coverage area after eight months. In the experimental patch, the areas of Pocillopora spp., coralline crustose algae (CCA), and cyanobacteria increased while the area of algal turf decreased. The increase in coral coverage and CCA, and decrease in algal turf in the experimental patch could be due to herbivores attracted to transplants. The increase in cyanobacteria in the experimental patch could be the result of higher temperatures and may have been a factor in the death of colonies. Conclusions: The transplantation of Pocillopora spp. colonies in Golfo Dulce changed the early successional trajectory of the sessile benthic community to favor the dominance of coral dominance in the experimental patch. These results may be useful in informing expectations for future restoration efforts.

Introducción: La restauración de ecosistemas facilita la sucesión ecológica. Cuando un arrecife de coral experimenta una perturbación, la comunidad de organismos sésiles bentónicos puede seguir una trayectoria de sucesión que favorezca la dominancia del coral o un cambio de estado a un ecosistema dominado por algas. Objetivo: Comprender mejor el impacto de los trasplantes de coral en la sucesión de la comunidad bentónica sésil. Métodos: Para medir y monitorear la cobertura de coral (cm2) de Pocillopora spp. y la composición de la comunidad bentónica asociada se establecieron parches de arrecifes de coral experimentales y de control en el sitio de restauración de coral en Golfo Dulce, Pacífico Sur de Costa Rica. Treinta colonias de Pocillopora spp., se trasplantaron a los clavos en el sustrato en el parche experimental. El parche de coral de control contenía clavos sin colonias trasplantadas. Ambos tratamientos fueron fotografiados mensualmente durante un periodo de ocho meses. Los cambios en la cobertura de coral y otros organismos bentónicos sésiles se midieron a partir de las imágenes y se compararon a lo largo del tiempo entre los parches experimentales y de control. Resultados: Los trasplantes de coral experimentaron eventos de blanqueamiento de agosto a septiembre de 2019 y de enero a febrero de 2020. El primer evento de blanqueamiento puede haber sido el resultado de la sedimentación y el segundo puede deberse a las altas temperaturas. Al final del experimento, el 83 % de las colonias habían sobrevivido. Las colonias vivas crecieron significativamente después del trasplante; > 67 % de su área de cobertura inicial después de ocho meses. En el parche experimental, las áreas de Pocillopora spp., algas coralinas costrosas (ACC) y cianobacterias aumentaron mientras que el tapete de algas disminuyó. El aumento en la cobertura de coral y ACC, y la disminución en tapetes de algas en el parche experimental podría deberse a los herbívoros atraídos por los trasplantes. El aumento de cianobacterias en el parche experimental podría ser el resultado de temperaturas más altas y puede haber sido un factor en la muerte de las colonias. Conclusiones: El trasplante de las colonias de Pocillopora spp. en Golfo Dulce cambiaron la trayectoria de sucesión temprana de la comunidad bentónica sésil para favorecer la dominancia del coral en el parche experimental. Estos resultados pueden ser útiles para informar las expectativas de futuros esfuerzos de restauración.

Nursery-reared coral outplanting success in an upwelling-influenced area in Costa Rica

Introduction: Environmental and intrinsic factors such as seawater temperature, salinity, nutrient concentration, upwelling, species, and life history can influence coral outplant survival and growth, and in consequence, the effectiveness of restoration. Thus, it is key to understand how these factors can shape coral outplant performance to ensure the long-term success of a restoration program. Objective: To establish the survival and growth rate of outplanted coral nursery-reared colonies of branching Pocillopora spp. and massive corals Pavona gigantea, Pavona clavus, and Porites lobata in Bahía Culebra, North Pacific of Costa Rica, and to determine whether the site of origin of the coral fragment and the presence of seasonal upwelling affected the growth of Pocillopora outplants. Methods: From September 2020 to September 2021, we monitored the survival, health, and growth of 30 Pocillopora spp. colonies from six donor sites, and 31 fragments of massive species (P. gigantea [n = 18], P. clavus [n = 8], P. lobata [n = 5]) that were outplanted to a degraded reef. We recorded in situ seawater temperature, salinity, and nutrient concentration. Results: By the end of the year, 100 % of the Pocillopora spp. outplants survived. Survival was 71.4 % for P. clavus, 47.5 % for P. gigantea, and 20 % for P. lobata. Coral tissue loss and predation marks were observed at least once in 71 % of massive outplants. Pocillopora spp. colonies increased their initial area in 333.1 %, at a rate of 9.98 ± 1.69 cm yr-1. The site of origin of the outplant influenced growth rate, but not the presence of seasonal upwelling. Massive species fragments grew at a rate of 1.35 ± 0.24 cm yr-1 for P. clavus, 1.48 ± 0.21 cm yr-1 for P. gigantea, and 0.61 cm yr-1 for P. lobata, with no differences among them. Conclusions: Environmental conditions at site level allow for high survival and growth of Pocillopora spp. outplants, previously considered as sensitive to stressors, and point towards acclimation to seasonal upwelling. Although survival of massive species was lower, developing a multi-species approach is key to enhance restoration success.

Introducción: Factores ambientales e intrínsecos como la temperatura del agua, salinidad, concentración de nutrientes, afloramiento, especies e historia de vida pueden influir en la supervivencia y crecimiento de los trasplantes de coral y, en consecuencia, en la eficacia de la restauración. Por ello, entender cómo estos factores pueden moldear el desempeño de los trasplantes es clave para asegurar el éxito de un programa de restauración a largo plazo. Objetivo: Establecer la supervivencia y tasa de crecimiento de los trasplantes de colonias de coral previamente cultivadas en viveros del coral ramificado Pocillopora spp. y las especies de crecimiento masivo Pavona gigantea, Pavona clavus y Porites lobata en Bahía Culebra, Pacífico Norte de Costa Rica, y determinar si el sitio donante de origen del fragmento de coral y la presencia de afloramiento estacional afectó el crecimiento de los trasplantes de Pocillopora. Métodos: De setiembre 2020 a setiembre 2021, se monitoreó la supervivencia, salud y crecimiento de 30 colonias de Pocillopora spp. de seis sitios donantes diferentes y 31 fragmentos de especies masivas (P. gigantea [n = 18], P. clavus [n = 8], P. lobata [n = 5]) que se trasplantaron a un arrecife degradado. Se registró la temperatura del agua, la salinidad y concentración de nutrientes in situ. Resultados: Al final del año, el 100 % de los trasplantes de Pocillopora spp. sobrevivieron. La supervivencia fue de 71.4 % para P. clavus, 47.5 % para P. gigantea y 20 % para P. lobata. Se observaron pérdidas de tejido y marcas de depredación al menos una vez en un 71 % de los trasplantes masivos. Las colonias de Pocillopora spp. aumentaron su área inicial en un 333.1 %, a una tasa de 9.98 ± 1.69 cm año-1. El sitio de origen del trasplante tuvo efecto sobre la tasa de crecimiento, pero no la presencia de afloramiento estacional. Los fragmentos de especies masivas crecieron a tasas de 1.35 ± 0.24 cm año-1 (P. clavus), 1.48 ± cm año-1 (P. gigantea) y 0.61 cm año (P. lobata), sin diferencias entre ellas. Conclusiones: Las condiciones del sitio permiten una alta supervivencia y crecimiento de trasplantes de Pocillopora spp., que previamente habían sido considerados sensibles a factores estresantes, e indican aclimatación a las condiciones locales de afloramiento estacional. Pese a que la supervivencia de las especies masivas fue menor, es esencial desarrollar un enfoque multi-especie para aumentar el éxito de la restauración.

Percepción comunitaria sobre arrecifes coralinos en Golfo Dulce: bases para integración social en programas de restauración

Introducción: Enfrentar la acelerada degradación de arrecifes coralinos requiere una acción integrada en múltiples niveles sociales y ecológicos. A escala local se debe incluir la participación activa de los usuarios de los recursos. Objetivo: evaluar el conocimiento y percepción local sobre los arrecifes coralinos en Golfo Dulce, y así generar bases para la integración social en la restauración coralina. Métodos: se realizaron 183 entrevistas en siete comunidades costeras del Golfo Dulce entre septiembre del 2016 y marzo del 2017. Los entrevistados se clasificaron en: (1) Pesca artesanal (PA) = 57 entrevistados, (2) Turismo (T) = 62, y (3) Otros (O) = 64. La primera parte de la entrevista fue de conocimiento y se asignó una nota basada en respuestas correctas. Según la nota se clasificó como informado, información media o desinformado. La segunda parte se basó en escalas de percepción sobre: (I) visitación, (II) factores que dañan los arrecifes coralinos, (III) medidas de manejo y (IV) salud de recursos marinos en Golfo Dulce. Resultados: El grupo T tuvo el mayor porcentaje de entrevistados informados = 42 % y el grupo O de desinformados = 37 %. La segunda parte fue percepción, más del 50 % de PA y T consideran que la visita es frecuente. La sedimentación y contaminación por agroquímicos fueron identificados por más del 60 % de PA y T como la principal amenaza. El 35 % de PA y el 40 % de T perciben las boyas fijas como la mejor medida para el Golfo Dulce. La restricción de visitas fue la medida con menor aceptación. El 60 % de los entrevistados de PA y T consideran que los recursos marinos del golfo estarán peor que en la actualidad. Conclusiones: Estos resultados confirman la importancia de comprender el conocimiento y la percepción de los usuarios de los arrecifes de coral en los procesos participativos y educativos en la restauración y conservación de los arrecifes de coral.

Introduction: Addressing the accelerated coral reefs degradation requires integrated action at multiple social and ecological scales. At local level, active participation of the main users must be included. Objective: To evaluate local knowledge and perception about coral reefs in Golfo Dulce to generate bases for social integration in coral restoration. Methods: 183 interviews were conducted in coastal communities in Golfo Dulce, between September 2016 and March 2017. The interviewees were classified as: (1) Artisanal fishing (PA) = 57 interviewees, (2) Tourism (T) = 62, and (3) Others (O) = 64. The first part of the interview was about knowledge and a grade was assigned based on correct answers. According to the grade, they were classified as informed, medium information or uninformed. The second part was based on perception scales on: (I) visitation, (II) factors that damage coral reefs, (III) management measures, and (IV) health of marine resources in Golfo Dulce. Results: Group T had the highest percentage of informed interviewees = 42 % and group O uninformed = 37 %. The second part was perception, more than 50 % of PA and T consider that the visit is frequent. Sedimentation and contamination by agrochemicals were identified by more than 60 % of PA and T as the main threat. 35 % of PA and 40 % of T perceive permanent buoys as the best measure for the Golfo Dulce. The visitation restriction was the measure with the least acceptance. 60 % of the interviewees of PA and T consider that the marine resources of the gulf will be worse than today. Conclusions: These results confirm the importance of understading coral reefs users knowledge and perception in participatory and educational processes in coral reef restoration and conservation.

Applying the SES Framework to coral reef restoration projects on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica

Introduction: Global and local stressors have led to rapid declines in coral reef health. The high rates of coral degradation have motivated restoration initiatives worldwide. Evaluation of these initiatives has provided valuable information regarding coral restoration techniques and limitations faced by projects. However, most of the literature is focused on evaluating metrics related to fragment survival rate and growth, leaving a gap in understanding how social aspects such as governance structure affect project outcomes. Objective: The present research applies the Social-Ecological Systems Framework to identify social and ecological factors contributing to the success of three coral reef restoration projects in Costa Rica. Methods: Data was gathered from 50 semi-structured interviews with project members, volunteers, tour operators, fishers, and related community and government organizations that were analyzed using the categories determined by the Social-Ecological Systems Framework. Results: Despite each case's specific ecological and governance characteristics, research results show that three main steps have contributed to project success. First, the importance of locals having a positive perception of coral reef and project benefits; second, the use of network structure to obtain adequate financial and human resources and third, the importance of compliance with a regulatory framework to create enabling environments for reef restoration. Conclusions: Results show no universal solutions for coral reef restoration projects. Project managers must understand the ecological and social context of the restoration site to boost the benefits that reef restoration projects can provide, such as an increase in local stewardship, income generation, and the creation of more resilient communities.

Introducción: Los factores de estrés globales y locales han llevado a una rápida disminución de la salud de los arrecifes de coral. Las altas tasas de degradación de los corales han motivado iniciativas de restauración en todo el mundo. La evaluación de estas iniciativas ha proporcionado información valiosa sobre las técnicas de restauración de coral y las limitaciones que enfrentan los proyectos. Sin embargo, la mayor parte de la literatura se centra en la evaluación de métricas relacionadas con la tasa de supervivencia y el crecimiento de fragmentos, lo que deja un vacío en la comprensión de cómo los aspectos sociales y estructura de gobernanza, afectan los resultados del proyecto. Objetivo: La presente investigación aplica el Marco Conceptual de Sistemas Socio-Ecológicos para identificar los factores sociales y ecológicos que contribuyen al éxito de tres proyectos de restauración de arrecifes de coral en Costa Rica. Métodos: Los datos se recopilaron a partir de 50 entrevistas semiestructuradas con miembros del proyecto, voluntarios, operadores turísticos, pescadores y organizaciones comunitarias y gubernamentales relacionadas que se analizaron utilizando las categorías determinadas por el Marco Conceptual de Sistemas Socio- Ecológicos. Results: A pesar de las características ecológicas y de gobernanza específicas de cada caso, los resultados de la investigación muestran que tres pasos principales han contribuido al éxito del proyecto. Primero, la importancia de que los locales tengan una percepción positiva de los arrecifes de coral y los beneficios del proyecto; segundo, el uso de la estructura de la red para obtener recursos financieros y humanos adecuados y tercero, la importancia del cumplimiento de un marco regulatorio para crear entornos propicios para la restauración de arrecifes. Conclusiones: A pesar de las características ecológicas y de gobernanza específicas de cada caso, los resultados de la investigación muestran que tres puntos principales han contribuido al éxito del proyecto. Primero, la importancia de que los locales tengan una percepción positiva de los arrecifes de coral y los beneficios del proyecto; segundo, el uso de la estructura de la red para obtener recursos financieros y humanos y tercero, la importancia del cumplimiento de un marco regulatorio para crear entornos propicios para la restauración de arrecifes.